Convocation May 2014

Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership and Policy)

• Dr. Katherine E Fukuyama: "Dr. Fukuyama explored how nursing faculty members experienced the gap between the good practice taught in nursing curricula and poor practice witnessed by nursing students, often due to health care restructuring. Faculty navigated the politics of clinical placements and used them to teach good nursing care and the need for systems change."
• Dr. Suzanne G Windsor-Liscombe: "Dr. Windsor-Liscombe investigated parents' perceptions of one elementary arts-integrated school. The study confirms that social class influences the decision to place children in the school, and reveals a diversity of views about the value of arts-based education. Future research includes re-consideration of policy at both district and school level."
• Dr. Robert Charles Aucoin: "Dr. Aucoin investigated learners' views about the use of Web 2.0 applications in online and face-to-face post-secondary learning environments. The results of this study will inform instructional design and policy decisions with respect to the use of Web 2.0 applications in post-secondary education."
• Dr. Iris Vered Berger: "Dr. Berger explored leadership in early childhood education. She argues that leadership was enacted when educators shared powerful narratives about children's educational experiences with their communities. These narratives ignited dialogue about the values and purposes of early education and positioned early childhood educators as community leaders."

Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy

• Dr. David Andrew McVea: "Dr. McVea studied brain activity in the newborn and adult brain. He found new, previously unrecognized patterns of activity in the newborn brain that may help prepare the brain for more mature patterns in later life. Knowledge of this activity may help develop treatments for those with brain injuries, as well as disorders of brain development"

Doctor of Musical Arts

• Dr. Farshid Samandari: "Dr. Samandari's composition "Sparks of Union" is derived from reflections on Unity in Diversity. He studied different musical languages in search of uniting features, and created new sonorities from free interaction among those musics. He seeks to enrich intercultural studies and creative arts by presenting music as a form of social action."

Doctor of Philosophy (Anthropology)

• Dr. Denise Nicole Green: "Dr. Green explored the secular and ceremonial life of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation in the Alberni Valley on Vancouver Island. She found that claims to territory were articulated through material and expressive culture. She also produced a series of ethnographic films about her research in collaboration with Nuu-chah-nulth people."
• Dr. Iain Mitchell Patrick McKechnie: "Dr. McKechnie's dissertation examines multiple scales of Indigenous history on the Northwest Coast, with a focus on two key domains of human existence: food and settlement. His research demonstrates an enduring coherence in Indigenous oral history and resource use. This offers insight into broader patterns of everyday human history over millennia."
• Dr. Molly Sue Malone: "Dr. Malone conducted research with Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, a Native American fishing community. She explored how community members conceptualize their history and relate to the water and the land. Her research contributes to Coast Salish ethnography and helps native communities assert their Aboriginal rights and title."

Doctor of Philosophy (Applied Animal Biology)

• Dr. Liv Baker: "Dr. Baker examined how individual animals respond to stressors of conservation management programs. Her research shows that an animal's personality affects its ability to cope with stress and its ultimate survival. Her work can help increase survival and improve the success of endangered species recovery programs."

Doctor of Philosophy (Asian Studies)

• Dr. Christopher Laurence Lovins: "Dr. Lovins examined the reforms of King Chongjo in 18th century Korea. He argues the King substantially expanded royal power during his reign while his institutional reforms failed to carry this success into future reigns. His research reveals Chongjo's reign as a challenge to the "continuous decline" model of early modern Korean history."
• Dr. Nicholas James Hall: "Dr. Hall studied representations of gay men in Japanese novels and films from the 1980s to the 2000s. He showed that the concerns and desires of gay men in Japan are articulated and transnational gay culture and identity are reflected. He demonstrated that supportive, political messages can be found, even in texts with problematic representations."

Doctor of Philosophy (Atmospheric Science)

• Dr. Carmen Teresa Emmel: "Dr. Emmel examined the turbulent exchange of CO2, water and energy in a forest killed by mountain pine beetles. She found that immature living vegetation took up more CO2 than was released by the mainly dead forest. She showed that forest management to retain the living vegetation could be an appropriate response from a carbon perspective."
• Dr. May Wai San Wong: "Dr. Wong created a computational method to increase the accuracy and efficiency of weather forecast models. Her method ensures that amounts of key atmospheric chemicals are properly conserved when carried by complicated wind patterns. This is especially important for air pollution and global climate prediction."
• Dr. Carlos Felipe Gaitan Ospina: "Dr. Gaitan-Ospina's work in climatology used different techniques to statistically refine future projections of temperature, precipitation and wind speed in the Canadian Global Climate Model. The results show that nonlinear methods are preferred over linear ones. These findings benefit engineers, biologists, land and forest managers and policy-makers."

Doctor of Philosophy (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

• Dr. Yujia Alina Chan: "Dr. Chan conducted her doctoral research in genetics and molecular biology. She investigated a novel mechanism by which cells respond to environmental factors by modulating the way they interpret genetic information. Her research highlights the role of genetic mutations in the growth of cancer cells."
• Dr. Huan Bao: "Dr. Bao studied the uptake of maltose, a malt sugar, into the E. coli bacterium. His research revealed how maltose import is regulated by cellular proteins. His findings provide significant insights into the way maltose is transported into cells and the implications for multi-drug resistance."
• Dr. Neng Fang: "Dr. Fang studied how damaged proteins are eliminated in a cell, and discovered key players in this process. Since the accumulation of damaged proteins is linked to many human disorders like Alzheimer's disease, this research contributes to our scientific insights into potential treatments for Alzheimer's and other related diseases."
• Dr. Lynn Kimlicka: "Dr. Kimlicka examined how disease-causing mutations affect the structure and stability of Ryanodine Receptors, calcium channels with primary roles in muscle contraction. This research furthered our understanding of the mechanisms underlying inherited cardiac arrhythmias and skeletal muscle disorders."

Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Engineering)

• Dr. Seth Myles Gilchrist: "Dr. Gilchrist studied the design and evaluation of laboratory experiments on hip fractures. He compared the outcomes of different test methods and informed researchers of the most appropriate techniques. The results will be applied by researchers developing new screening procedures to identify, and ultimately treat, those at risk of hip fracture."
• Dr. Xun Chen: "Dr. Chen developed novel methods for modelling brain and muscular activity. Using neuro-physiological signals, he discovered coupling patterns between brain and muscular activities in Parkinson's disease. The research goal was to uncover the underlying coupling patterns between neuro-systems and ultimately assist with diagnosis of Parkinson's disease."
• Dr. Robyn Suzanne Newell: "Dr. Newell conducted research on identifying vulnerable neck postures that may be present prior to a head impact in an accidental car rollover. She demonstrated that being upside-down and bracing for impact by tensing the neck muscles can change the posture of the neck. These findings are important to understanding and preventing neck injuries."

Doctor of Philosophy (Botany)

• Dr. Yan Huang: "Dr. Huang studied two novel negative regulators in plant innate immunity identified from a genetic screen. This work expands the limited knowledge of NB-LRR degradation pathway and highlights the significance of negative regulation of mitochondria, both contributing to uncover the sophisticated negative regulatory network in plant immune system."
• Dr. Teagen Danielle Quilichini: "Dr. Quilichini studied how plants form the durable wall encasing pollen, which is fortified by the poorly understood material, sporopollenin. She discovered a transport protein required for sporopollenin movement to developing pollen and used imaging to study its chemical nature. Her work enables new studies of this natural polymer and its manipulation."
• Dr. Jenny Lyn McCune: "Dr. McCune studied the forests and savannahs of southeastern Vancouver Island. She used vegetation re-surveys and analyses of plant micro-fossils to measure changes in plant communities over decades and centuries. Her findings contribute to our understanding of how plant diversity is affected by human disturbance and climatic changes."
• Dr. Rebecca Anne Smith: "Dr. Smith studied how plants synthesize lignin, the cell wall polymer essential for the strength of wood. She discovered that multiple cell types are involved in the synthesis of lignin. These results are important because lignin is a major barrier to the production of biofuels from plants."

Doctor of Philosophy (Business Administration)

• Dr. Michael Wufka: "Dr. Wufka investigated ways of helping software developers who use flexible or agile development approaches to better understand user needs. He found that, in practice, the use of various types of diagrams can be beneficial for this purpose. The results are a basis for future research, and can help agile developers improve their practices."
• Dr. Chen Wang: "Dr. Wang studied the impact of curiosity on consumers, and their subsequent reward-seeking behaviours. She found curiosity motivates people to seek rewards, particularly novel rewards in unrelated domains. This research contributes to both the curiosity and the reward-seeking literature, and also has important practical implications for marketers"
• Dr. Lea Dunn: "Dr. Dunn examined how fear creates an emotional connection with a branded product. She found that when people feel afraid, such as during a horror movie, they reach out to share that experience with an available brand, for example a soda. This research highlights how consumer-brand relationships form and how these relationships benefit both parties."
• Dr. Jing Yan: "Dr. Yan studied competition and price determination in three markets. She advanced understanding of the uniform pricing puzzle in the movie industry, the relationship between price and market structure in a gasoline market, and conditions under which governments can effectively use public-private partnerships to deliver public services."
• Dr. Bo Youn Chae: "Dr. Chae studied an important but overlooked social phenomenon: average citizens tend to discriminate against the rich. When wealthy people commit minor offences, such as illegal parking, the public expects them to be punished more than less affluent offenders. This bias against the rich when determining punishment has public policy implications."

Doctor of Philosophy (Cell and Developmental Biology)

• Dr. Yu Hsuan Carol Yang: "A hallmark of diabetes is the loss of insulin producing beta-cells in the pancreas. Dr. Yang discovered and characterized novel factors that promote the survival of beta-cells under conditions found in diabetic patients. Her studies have important implications for the development of novel therapies for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes."
• Dr. Stephanie Jane Ellis: "Dr. Ellis studied how cells interact with their environment to form tissues and organs during animal development. Her work characterized molecular mechanisms that ensure each cell is in the right place at the right time. Her findings have implications for our understanding of how tissues form, and how these processes may be altered during disease."
• Dr. Sara Hosseini-Farahabadi: "Dr. Hosseini-Farahabadi discovered the important roles of a secreted protein called Wint5a during normal beak development in chickens. She showed how changes in the amount of this protein in chickens can cause several facial defects, such as loss of skeletal tissues.The findings of this study can benefit biological science and clinical studies."
• Dr. John Jae hee Shin: "Dr. Shin uncovered a new mechanism of lipid-mediated signal transduction where certain signaling lipids are capable of sensing changes in intracellular pH. These findings increase our fundamental understanding of how cells regulate their many cellular processes."
• Dr. Spencer Freeman: "Dr. Freeman collaborated on projects with the University of Calgary and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto to understand how cells interact and interpret their surroundings. His work uncovered mechanisms that control thresholds for cellular responses in normal and cancer cells. These findings will inform vaccine design and cancer therapies."

Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical and Biological Engineering)

• Dr. Hadi Mohammadigoushki: "Dr. Mohammadigoushki studied the dynamics and flow of bubbles in liquid foam. He investigated how the properties of the foam can be changed by bubble size and distribution. He showed that foam can be purposely manipulated for a wide variety of applications, from helping to recover oil from wells, to producing better cosmetics, soap and shampoo."
• Dr. Sadaf Shafiei Sabet: "Dr. Shafiei Sabet studied the preparation and properties of cellulose nanocrystal suspensions. Her work provided a deeper understanding of the structure formation and flow properties of this novel material, which resulted in the ntroduction of new applications in the food, medical, and pulp and paper industries."
• Dr. James William Butler: "Dr. Butler's research was in the field of Chemical and Biological Engineering. He studied a method of capturing carbon dioxide through the use of a calcium oxide absorbent in combination with hydrogen production from sawdust. This process has the dual benefits of providing a sustainable source hydrogen and reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere."
• Dr. Parissa Mirjafari: "Dr. Mirjafari studied passive bioreactors for treatment of mine drainage. She found that composition of organic mixtures can affect the longevity of the bioreactors, and the type and abundance of microbes present in them. Her findings can assist in improving the design of bioreactors and increase our understanding of their mechanism of treatment."
• Dr. Sona Kazemi: "Dr. Kazemi developed a microbial fuel cell that can effectively produce electricity from wastewater. She investigated whether the membrane that separates the anode from the cathode in the fuel cell can reduce energy costs. Her findings will be a step towards determining whether microbial fuel cells will reduce the cost of wastewater treatment."
• Dr. Amin Aziznia: "Dr. Aziznia developed an unconventional and innovative "Swiss-roll" fuel cell architecture aimed at reducing the cost of fuel cell systems. He subsequently applied this innovative design to a variety of fuel cell chemistries. His findings will help to reduce the cost of energy conversion and may open new avenues for fuel cell technology."
• Dr. Derek Yau Chung Choy: "Dr. Choy developed a new technique for separating complex mixtures of proteins. This mode of liquid chroma-tography, known as iso-electric chromato-focusing, is useful to research scientists and the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Choy's work will help improve disease diagnostics and purify life-saving therapeutics more safely and economically."

Doctor of Philosophy (Chemistry)

• Dr. Eric William Price: "Dr. Price worked on synthesizing new ligands for use in radioactive drugs. These "ligands" are small molecules with many "arms" that wrap around radioactive metals and deliver them selectively to cancer cells for therapy. These new synthetic ligands are much faster and more efficient and should aid in detection and treatment of many types of cancer."
• Dr. Glen Bremner: "Dr. Bremner studied the electrical charging and discharging properties of poly-thiophene, a polymer that can store a charge like a battery. His work demonstrated that the introduction of small pores in the polymer increased the rate of discharging of poly-thiophene, an important characteristic for organic batteries."
• Dr. Jason Wickenden: "Dr. Wickenden completed his research in the field of organic chemistry. His work provides alternative strategies that may be used towards the development of new pharmaceutical compounds. With these improvements, researchers may one day be able to lower the cost of drugs to the public."
• Dr. Neal Yonson: "Dr. Yonson's work generated new metal catalysts for facilitating chemical reactions. These chemical reactions resulted in the formation of carbon-nitrogen or carbon-carbon bonds, which are fundamental to organic chemistry. This research will help inform further development of metal catalysts for use in chemical synthesis."
• Dr. Saheba Khurana: "Dr. Khurana has developed a numerical method for solving the Boltzmann equation used in chemistry and physics. This numerical method can be used for theoretical calculations in aerodynamic studies and protein analysis. From those calculations one can obtain the properties, such as the size or the distribution of the particles that make up the system."
• Dr. Joe Cho Tak Leung: "Dr. Leung discovered two reactions which employ ultraviolet light, for example sunlight, to transfer fluorine atoms to organic molecules. He also discovered a safer source-equivalent of atomic fluorine. These contributions might provide a new and reliable strategy for scientists to synthesize fluorine containing drugs."
• Dr. Lyndsey Diane Earl: "Dr. Earl designed new metal-organic frameworks with complex extended structures for energy storage and transport. She explored how the shape of molecules influenced the properties of solid phase polymers. Dr. Earl's findings have implications for applications such as separating industrial gases and full spectrum light emitting diodes.."
• Dr. Philippa Robyn Payne: "Dr. Payne developed catalysts based on inexpensive non-toxic metals for the efficient synthesis of nitrogen containing compounds. These studies establish the broad applicability of these approaches and reactivity trends, to guide future developments. The greener methodologies are attractive to the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries."
• Dr. Roberto Forestieri: "Dr. Forestieri studied the chemistry of therapeutic compounds found in nature. His achievements included the first synthesis of a new steroid to treat tuberculosis and discovery of a new natural product with potential anti-diabetic properties. These outcomes may enable more effective strategies to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and type 2 diabetes."
• Dr. Maria Alekseyevna Telpoukhovskaia: "Dr. Telpoukhovskaia's research was in the field of medicinal inorganic chemistry. She worked on design and synthesis of novel compounds that are able to interact with biologically active copper, iron, and zinc. Furthermore, she tested these compounds in a biological setting to elucidate their potential activity in Alzheimer's disease."

Doctor of Philosophy (Civil Engineering)

• Dr. Soubhagya Kumar Pattanayak: "Dr. Pattanayak studied the technologies used for removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater. He designed a method that combined biological and chemical treatments. His successful validation of the design will expand the scope of available wastewater treatment technologies, to meet the stringent water quality goals in many parts of the world."
• Dr. Sepideh Jankhah: "Dr. Jankhah studied membrane filtration systems, which are used to purify water, but at a relatively high cost. She demonstrated the efficiency of injecting air bubbles of various sizes at various rates for preventing fouling in the filtration systems. Her findings could reduce the operating costs associated with fouling in these systems by 50%."
• Dr. Seku Samory Catacoli Mosquera: "Dr. Catacoli proposed a simplified approach to predict the effect of earthquakes on bridges. He studied the rotations induced by earthquakes on skewed bridges. His recommendations will help improve the seismic design of new bridges, and retrofit of existing bridges, and provide practical guidelines for the seismic assessment of these structures."
• Dr. Ramin Latifi: "Dr. Latifi studied the way structures might respond to an earthquake when they are close to the causative fault. He factored the flexibility of the foundation system into his research. Results of this study help engineers to predict the expected response of various structures which are close to a fault, and might be affected by Near-Fault ground motions."
• Dr. Osmar Penner: "Dr. Penner studied the ways in which unreinforced masonry walls respond to earthquakes. He demonstrated the effects of floor flexibility on wall response and developed a new procedure for the seismic assessment of walls in existing buildings. These findings will help the construction industry to maximize the cost effectiveness of seismic retrofits.."

Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science)

• Dr. Sancho Juan Carlos D. R. R. McCann: "Dr. McCann developed improvements to methods that allow computers to categorize and find objects contained in images. His research focussed on visual object categorization. Applications include automatic image search, surveillance, pedestrian detection in self-driving cars, and other applications requiring automatic understanding of image content."
• Dr. Shriram Rajagopalan: "Dr. Rajagopalan's research focused cloud computing, a pay-per-use hosted computing model for Internet applications. He designed systems to enhance the adaptability of cloud-based applications, enabling them to respond to load changes and infrastructure failures. His work will assist developers to build elastic and fault-tolerant cloud applications"
• Dr. Baharak Rastegari: "Dr. Rastegari studied markets where expertise or goods are exchanged. She identified and modeled conditions under which such markets may fail to reach an optimal stable outcome. She proposed mechanisms to get around these instabilities, for example the design of a cost efficient hiring system that guarantees an optimal stable outcome."
• Dr. Shafiq Rayhan Joty: "Dr. Joty developed automatic methods for analyzing written conversations in asynchronous media, for example blogs and emails. These methods assist us in understanding conversations, as well as improving automatic language processing applications such as text summarization, text generation, sentiment analysis, question answering and machine translation."

Doctor of Philosophy (Counselling Psychology)

• Dr. Emily Christina Koert: "Dr. Koert studied women who expected they would become mothers, but ended up permanently childless after delayed childbearing. She identified common themes in the experiences of this growing group. This study demonstrates how they reconcile past choices with present realities, in order to move forward and create meaningful lives as childless women."

Doctor of Philosophy (Cross-Faculty Inquiry in Education)

• Dr. Adrian Wilson McKerracher: "Dr. McKerracher investigated the concept of creativity by looking at the metaphors people use to describe a creative process. His research emphasized that metaphors offer a unique opportunity to 'read' the personal and social meaning of creativity. His work champions the importance of reflection, sincerity, and life writing in curriculum."
• Dr. Graham Giles: "Dr. Giles examined the ethical underpinnings of modern educational thought. From explorations in philosophy and other disciplines, he developed a critique of modern ethical progressivism from which he proposes to educators and scholars in education an ethics of the search for new ethical forms."
• Dr. Nilofar Shidmehr: "Dr. Shidmehr studied the philosophical foundations of poetic inquiry, a new research methodology in the humanities and social sciences. Using her own poetry and the work of other poets and philosophers, she demonstrated the value of poetic inquiry for researching immigrant identities and their recognition in multicultural societies such as Canada."

Doctor of Philosophy (Curriculum Studies)

• Dr. Simon Piers Albon: "Dr. Albon studied the role and status of the basic sciences in UBC's current B.Sc. in Pharmacy program. His in-depth case study revealed tensions amongst faculty about the importance of these sciences. He showed how the different perspectives are confounding agreement on the scientific foundations of contemporary pharmacy education and its practice."
• Dr. Mirela Gutica: "Dr. Gutica studied how emotion influences learning in the context of tutoring systems. She designed an educational game, Heroes of Math Island, for students in Grades 5 to 7, and analyzed the learners' emotional states as they interacted with it. Her findings will benefit researchers and designers in the field of advanced learning technologies."
• Dr. Pamela Anne Hagen: "Dr. Hagen studied student engagement in elementary math. She found using cognitive tools from Imaginative Education theory to build children's connections to math concepts increased their math awareness and self-confidence. Her study points to the importance of engaging children's emotional responses and imagination in learning mathematics."
• Dr. Shannon Dawn Maree Moore: "Dr. Moore conducted an eight month ethnographic study in a classroom of youth studying film. In the current media rich context, this research considers the use of popular culture and digital video production in educational spaces. This study informs current discussions in pedagogy, media education, and youth studies."

Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Studies)

• Dr. Georgina Rose Martin: "Dr. Martin studied the effects of identity loss upon the She-KWE-pem people, caused by Indian Act legislation, Indian hospitals and Residential Schools. This intergenerational project demonstrates how Indigenous knowledge transmission, familial relationships, and land-based/culture-based experiences developed and sustained cultural identities."
• Dr. Cindy Lou James: "Dr. James investigated the connections between Emotional Intelligence and the experiences of first year students at a Canadian university. Her findings revealed a complicated relationship, but observed changes in EI suggest that, in general, the first year of university enhances the EI of students, especially intrapersonal and adaptability skills."
• Dr. Hanae Tsukada: "Dr. Tsukada examined how international students and universities in Japan engaged with internationalization. She found that they constructed imagined international communities that reflected not their local diversity but a neoliberal and Western-centered interpretation of globalization. Dr. Tsukada calls for a critical approach to internationalization."
• Dr. Amy M Parent: "The Northwest Coast bentwood box acted as a metaphor to frame this study. Dr..Parent examined four Aboriginal Early University Promotion Initiatives and three Aboriginal University Transition Programs at universities in British Columbia. Her findings will help us understand how universities can be wholistically transformed for Indigenous learners."
• Dr. Jeannie Anne Kerr: "Dr. Kerr conducted her research as a Settler-Scholar, meaning she considered the implications of her scholarly work as a person who has settled on lands that are the longstanding home of Indigenous peoples. Dr. Kerr developed a theory to help teachers in K-12 schools and in programs of teacher education who prioritize social equity in education."

Doctor of Philosophy (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

• Dr. Xu Wang: "Dr. Wang studied optics based on silicon chips, similar to those used for electronic integrated circuits. He developed various optical devices and circuits that allow us to control the propagation of light on a chip. This work is expected to have a broad range of applications, including optical communications and bio-sensing."
• Dr. Zhenyu Guo: "Dr. Guo studied ways in which computer vision applications learn to recognize objects with minimal training. He developed several novel algorithms that successfully improve the performance of image understanding and searching, with reduced user input. These algorithms point out a promising direction for personalized image management"
• Dr. Abtin Rasoulian: "Dr. Rasoulian conducted research in the field of computer-assisted medical intervention. His work led to the development of new methods for generation of statistical models of the spine. He subsequently used these models in an ultrasound-guided system that is to be used for more accurate and less painful epidural anesthesia.."
• Dr. Maryam Abolfath Beygi Dezfooli: "Dr. Beygi developed test models to assist Australian scientists developing biosensors. These biosensors have applications in medical diagnosis, and for detection of hazardous materials in the environment. Unlike earlier versions, the developed models have an analytical approach to optimize the design and analyze the performance of biosensors."
• Dr. Mehrdad Chapariha: "Dr. Chapariha devised a method for fast and accurate modeling of generators and motors in electrical power systems. His models will transform many commercial simulation programs used worldwide, and enable faster evolution of the electrical grids into smart integrated and sustainable energy systems of the future."
• Dr. Masoud Dahmardeh: "Dr. Dahmardeh developed a machining technique to shape laboratory-grown groups of carbon nanotubes, known as forests. Each nanotube is 10 thousand times thinner than a human hair, and machining is done by tiny, fast electrical sparks. The shaped forests can be used in miniature devices such as micro-actuator, sensors and high-power micro-switches."
• Dr. Ali Bakhoda: "Dr. Bakhoda conducted his research in the field of Computer Architecture. He developed a framework to simultaneously increase the performance and reduce the cost of hardware accelerators like graphic processing units. His findings can be employed in a wide range of hardware designs ranging from future smart phones to high performance servers."
• Dr. San-Tsai Sun: "Dr. Sun examined the security of two popular social login systems that have been adopted by millions of websites, and social networks such as Facebook. His investigation revealed several critical weaknesses in the design and implementation of these login systems. He proposed and evaluated practical countermeasures to mitigate the uncovered threats."
• Dr. Chen He: "Dr. He studied Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID systems. He proposed "unitary query" which can greatly improve the performance of multiple-input-multiple-output RFID systems. His research contributes to future wireless communication technology, and to applications in transportation and logistics, health care, social media, and surveillance."
• Dr. Eddie Hung: "Dr. Hung's research focused on designing integrated circuits more efficiently. He developed techniques for exploiting re-configurable technologies to rapidly accelerate the process of locating and eliminating design flaws. As a result of this research, computing devices will be of higher quality and be in the hands of consumers more quickly."
• Dr. Pedram Ataee: "Dr. Ataee used mathematical models to study possible causes of irregularity in cardiovascular rhythms. Irregularities can be prevented by knowing their causes and developing an intelligent method to monitor and control them. The findings will help to develop treatments for chronic hypertension and diseases generating problems in blood pressure regulation."
• Dr. Ali Kashefian Naieni: "Dr. Kashefian Naieni investigated the fabrication of small-scale structures using carbon nanotubes. He demonstrated the significance of previously neglected phenomena in creating micro-electronic devices from a solution. His research is a step forward in developing reliable methods for fabrication of devices such as sensors based on nano-particles."
• Dr. Mohammed Talat Hussain Khouj: "Dr. Khouj proposed an artificial intelligence system to help disaster managers and responders to make optimal decisions, to save human lives in situations of catastrophic natural or man-made disasters. This system combines human expert knowledge and complex system modelling to understand the interdependencies among critical national infrastructures."
• Dr. Nima Mohseni Kiasari: "Dr. Mohseni Kiasari studied the applications of zinc oxide nanostructures in novel environmental sensors as well as organic solar cells. In his work, Dr. Mohseni Kiasari argues that by utilizing zinc oxide nanostructures the electronic performance of the devices can be improved and the cost of fabrication can be eventually reduced."
• Dr. Ehsan Nezhadarya: "Dr. Arya studied problems in video copyright protection and quality assessment. To protect copyright, he developed novel image watermarking methods to make videos resistant to different types of attacks. His methods for video quality assessment can enhance the performance of multimedia networks and deliver high-quality content to the end users."
• Dr. Iman Mansoor: "Dr. Mansoor developed new manufacturing methods for inexpensive micro-needle devices. Micro-needles provide a pain-free alternative to traditional hypodermic needles for drug injection and for the extraction of compounds from the body for analysis. He also applied these microneedles to the assessment of drug transport in skin tissue."
• Dr. Zahra Ahmadian: "Dr. Ahmadian conducted research in the area of wireless ultra-wide bandwidth communication between multiple sender and receivers. She has developed pre-filtering techniques for reducing the complexity of signal processing at the receivers. Her work is applicable to multimedia streaming, sensor networks and machine-to-machine communications."

Doctor of Philosophy (English)

• Dr. Erin Louise Frances MacWilliam: "Dr. MacWilliam researched the ways in which British cookbooks published between 1660 and 1760 shaped conceptions of physical and aesthetic taste. Her work suggests that eighteenth-century aesthetics and cookery were the topics of public conversations that helped shape our current notions of subjectivity, professionalism, and disciplinarity."
• Dr. Lise Marie Jaillant: "Dr. Jaillant studied the Modern Library, a cheap series of reprints created in New York in 1917. This research helps us question the boundaries of the modernist literary canon, since the Modern Library published works by modernist writers such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf but also detective fiction and novels that we now see as "middlebrow.""
• Dr. Tomasz Zbigniew Michalak: "Dr. Michalak studied the way sound is used in the literature and culture of the twentieth century. He argues that writing of that period was affected by images and noises of the modern day media systems. Attention to sound requires new ways of making sense of literature, which benefit scholars and readers interested in media."
• Dr. Karl Arthur Erik Persson: "Dr. Persson studied Old English literature in the Department of English at UBC. His work demonstrates that Biblical commentaries on Job and Ecclesiastes are relevant contexts for interpreting Old English wisdom poetry. It benefits scholars of English and Theology, as well as those interested in how wisdom is handed down within cultures."
• Dr. Sean Conor McAlister: "Dr. McAlister studied the early decades of mass literary culture in the United States. Through explorations of the work of Edgar Allan Poe, George Lippard, Herman Melville, and Louisa May Alcott, Dr. McAlister considered the relationship between formal experimentation and the contingencies of an emerging mass literary marketplace."

Doctor of Philosophy (Experimental Medicine)

• Dr. Azadeh Hosseini Tabatabaei: "Dr. Tabatabaei studied auto-immune diabetes and showed that changes in an immune factor contribute to disease. She also developed a graft of insulin-producing cells containing an enzyme named IDO for transplantation in type 1 diabetes. These studies open new avenues for protecting insulin-producing cells in diabetes, and following transplantation."

Doctor of Philosophy (Forestry)

• Dr. Jinguang Hu: "Dr. Hu has shown how the complex enzymes produced by mushrooms and fungi can break down cellulose, found in woods and plants. Cellulose is the world's most common form of sugar and it can be used to make biofuels. Dr. Hu (or Who) plans to continue exploring the universe in his time-travelling police box, the Tardis, powered by renewable biofuels!"
• Dr. Martin van Leeuwen: "Dr. Van Leeuwen studied the effects of canopy structure on forest productivity. His work demonstrates that computer simulation adds important complementary value to established field-based measuring techniques. His work is relevant for climate modelers and for the calibration and validation of Earth observation data products."
• Dr. Kim Cordelia Green: "Dr. Green studied the impact of logging on floods in snowmelt watersheds. She showed that moderate levels of forest harvesting increase the frequency of floods which can affect the stability of streams. Her results challenge current perceptions of how forests affect floods and will help establish sustainable levels of harvesting in snowmelt areas."
• Dr. Ana Filipa de Assun Xavier: "Dr. Xavier prepared "smart" bio-materials from cellulose, a wood derivative. The materials were developed by grafting a temperature responsive polymer from the cellulose derivative. This research has set the grounds for future studies regarding potential applications, which include tissue engineering, drug delivery, filtration membranes and sensors."
• Dr. Kyle Wade Hilsendager: "Dr. Hilsendager examined land use conflicts that occur between the forestry and tourism industries in destinations that market natural landscapes. This investigation was conducted through a comparison of Vancouver Island and Tasmania. Recommendations were developed to help guide natural resource managers in places where these types of conflicts exist."
• Dr. Nazanin Shabani: "Dr. Shabani studied ways to reduce the cost of generating electricity from wood. She developed models to optimize output from wood-fuelled power plants, taking into account uncertainty in wood quality, quantity and price. The models help make forest bioenergy more economically viable and increase the possibility of replacing fossil fuel with bioenergy."
• Dr. Margaret Maree Eddington: "Dr. Eddington's research focused on the development of a strategy for monitoring the biophysical attributes of British Columbia's forests and rangelands. The aim of the study was to supply the information needed to bring climate change adaptation considerations into decision-making in the Province."
• Dr. Thoreau Rory Benjamin Tooke: "Dr. Tooke examined energy demand in the building sector. He developed a novel technique for mapping the thermal energy requirements of individual buildings using airborne laser scanning data. These energy maps provide a valuable planning resource when designing strategies to reduce the environment impact of buildings."
• Dr. Alireza Araghi-Rahi: "Dr. Araghi-Rahi studied the influences of climate on productivity and soil carbon storage in forests across British Columbia. Precipitation and drought indices were the most influential climatic factors. This implies that future shifts in precipitation patterns, rather than temperature, will most affect the carbon dynamics of forests in the region.."
• Dr. Shyam Krishna Paudel: "Dr. Paudel studied the ecosystem in the boreal forest of the southwest Yukon. His research focussed on the impact of changing climate, fires and spruce bark beetle on tree regeneration, forest productivity and biodiversity in the region. His findings will support the work being done to manage this important ecosystem."
• Dr. Sepideh Massoumi Alamouti: "Dr. Alamouti studied fungi that have destroyed more than 18 million hectares of pine forests in western North America. She used evolutionary genomic approaches and identified variations in genes that help fungi attack trees. This provides important insights into how fungi evolve and adapt to different pine trees and to changing environment condition."
• Dr. Amadeus Yeremia Pribowo: "Dr. Pribowo looked at the potential to recycle enzymes needed to breakdown wood biomass to sugars. These sugars can subsequently be converted to the many products that we currently derive from fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. His work will dramatically help to reduce the cost of making the bio-refinery approach a commercial reality."

Doctor of Philosophy (French)

• Dr. Moustapha Fall: "Dr. Fall's research in Senegal examined the role of the mother tongue, Wolof, in the development of French as a second language. He found that school children who had early exposure to written Arabic decode and read French better than those with little or no exposure. This study illuminates the role of early literacy in learning a second language."

Doctor of Philosophy (Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice)

• Dr. Anika Nicole Stafford: "Dr. Stafford's dissertation examined gender norms and sexuality in Kindergarten. Her research findings illustrate how primary schools normalize gender conforming heterosexuality at the expensive of queer and transgender people. Her work is useful to anyone concerned with safer schools or interested in gender issues in dominant culture."

Doctor of Philosophy (Geography)

• Dr. Mark Lawrence Marcelo Santiago: "Dr. Santiago studied international health worker recruitment and migration. He investigated how local, transnational and global policies and the knowledge and expertise of people in Canada and the Philippines affect that migration. This research allows us to rethink how both countries might craft more just global health and immigration policies."
• Dr. Oliver Christian Belcher: "Dr. Belcher authored an historical and theoretical analysis of US and Canadian counter-insurgency warfare in Afghanistan. He showed how forms of knowledge embedded within counter-insurgency doctrine enabled particular modes of violence to take place in Afghanistan, such as empowering corrupt police forces, razing villages and displacing populations."
• Dr. Rosemary Claire Magdeleine Sol Collard: "Dr. Collard followed the exotic pet trade through six countries in Central and North America and Europe. She found high degrees of animal mortality and suffering plague the trade. She argues the exotic pet trade reproduces a hierarchy between humans and animals that impedes gentler ways of living and dying among diverse species."
• Dr. Justin Kin-Hung Tse: "Dr. Tse examined how Cantonese-speaking Protestants grounded their theologies by democratically participating in the civil societies of Vancouver, San Francisco, and Hong Kong at the end of the 20th century and early 21st century. This study helps the public to understand how Chinese Christians are participating in politics."

Doctor of Philosophy (Geological Sciences)

• Dr. Esther-Jeanne Bordet: "Dr. Bordet studied volcanic rocks formed 50 million years ago in central British Columbia. She showed that volcanism was triggered by dynamic interactions between tectonic plates and ancient subducted slabs beneath the Canadian Cordillera. Outcomes of this study apply to both mineral and oil and gas resources exploration in British Columbia."
• Dr. Evan Mathew Smith: "Dr. Smith studied natural diamonds that contain small droplets of fluid from the Earth's mantle, below Earth's crust. He characterized the oldest known samples of fluid from the mantle and discovered inclusions containing liquid nitrogen. This research provides valuable insight into the behaviour of the deep Earth through geologic time."
• Dr. Holly Esther Peterson: "Dr. Peterson examined how water flows through mountain-sized piles of discarded rock at a large copper mine in Peru. She determined relationships between physical water flow and chemical water quality. Her research can be used by mine planners and government regulators worldwide to ensure that water discharged from mines to the environment is clean."
• Dr. Thomas Christof Chudy: "Dr. Chudy explained the formation of magmatic deposits of tantalum in the Canadian Cordillera. He showed that a particular composition of the melt together with high intrusion temperatures favoured the accumulation of this rare and strategically important element. His work will significantly facilitate the exploration for tantalum deposits in Canada."
• Dr. Adam Thomas Simmons: "Dr. Simmons studied bulk-tonnage, low grade copper bearing rocks in southern Peru. This work resulted in the identification of magmatic controls on copper concentrations in the Earth's upper crust. The conclusions of this research contrast productive and non-productive copper bearing rocks and aid in the global search for additional copper resources."
• Dr. Martyn Golding: "Dr. Golding's research on the sedimentology and fossil record of Triassic rocks from northeastern British Columbia has allowed him to determine the age, provenance and tectonic setting of these important, hydrocarbon-bearing sediments."

Doctor of Philosophy (Hispanic Studies)

• Dr. Pablo Rubio Gijon: "Dr. Rubio Gijon studied crime fiction films produced in Francoist Spain and Peronist Argentina from 1951 to 1955. He argues that by using the crime fiction genre, which helps to maintain the dominant ideology, the films oppose authoritarianism through narrative and formal strategies such as visual elements from film noir or Italian Neorealism."
• Dr. Barbara Kelly Fraser: "Dr. Fraser studied collective and personal love in Latin American poetry of the Cold War. She found that, contrary to the stereotype of the "passionate Latin American poet/lover/revolutionary", the coexistence of these two loves was tense and required creative strategies of resolution. Her work challenges assumptions about the region's literature."

Doctor of Philosophy (History)

• Dr. Birga Ulrike Meyer: "Dr. Meyer analysed how Italian, Austrian and Hungarian history museums exhibit the Holocaust. She shows that, after the 1990s, worldwide and national trends to address the Holocaust merged texts, objects, visual materials and sounds. This offers new insights for scholars and museum practitioners working on Holocaust and other historical exhibits."
• Dr. Cameron E A Whitehead: "Dr. Whitehead has shown that modern Balkan instability resulted from the Great Eastern Crisis in the late 19th century. Using an international perspective, Dr. Whitehead found that the principle of national self-determination was imposed on the region without regard for local populations, which tragically underlay the origins of the First World War."
• Dr. Yang Wu: "Dr. Wu examined how the Chinese Communist Party's national leaders imposed discipline over local members in eastern Shandong from 1928 to 1948. He found that they did this through systematic organizational control, ideological education and class struggle. This research is valuable in understanding the party's rise to power and its legacy on China.."

Doctor of Philosophy (Human Development, Learning, and Culture)

• Dr. Lina Lotfi Darwich: "Dr. Darwich examined early adolescents and their ethnic and Canadian identity, sense of belonging at school, and experiences with discrimination. She found that higher levels of discrimination were linked to lower levels of school belonging. Her conclusion that youth new to Canada have a lower sense of belonging has implications for their education."
• Dr. Rebecca Jane Collie: "Dr. Collie examined work-related well-being and motivation among teachers. Her research showed that contextual factors, such as the support of school principals, play a key role in positive teacher functioning. She also found that teacher well-being and motivation play an important role in the teachers' commitment and job satisfaction."
• Dr. Lina Sweiss: "Dr. Sweiss examined how Vancouver children spend their time after school and how participation in different programs and activities is related to their well-being. She found that children who participated in a combination of several programs and activities had higher levels of well-being than children who participated in only a few activities."

Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems)

• Dr. Erika Mundel: "Dr. Mundel studied two provincial health programs that intersect with BC's food movement. She demonstrated different strengths and limitations in the collaboration between provincial health institutions and grassroots actors in service of this movement's social, health and ecological goals. She also suggested ways to improve such collaboration."
• Dr. Yona Sipos Randor: "Dr. Sipos investigated food system study at the intersection of sustainability education and community-based experiential learning. She found community-based experiential learning is effective in large food system courses that integrate diverse knowledge and experiences. This study emphasizes that universities and associated communities need each other."
• Dr. Kelleen Lynda Wiseman: "Dr. Wiseman studied the use of food product claims by consumers and food manufacturers. The results from her study help to explain how a strategic use of product claims on processed food product by food manufacturers cause markets to fail. Her research contributes to our understanding of food claims as a communication and public health tool."

Doctor of Philosophy (Interdisciplinary Studies)

• Dr. Daniel Zvi Buchman: "Dr. Buchman explored how patients with chronic pain and addiction negotiate their complex therapeutic relationships with clinicians. His findings provide evidence for the importance of cultivating mutual trust and collaboration in treatment decision-making."
• Dr. Christina Louise Preto: "Dr. Preto conducted an ethical and legal analysis of Canada's approach to clinical trial oversight. She identified various shortcomings and examined the different implications these have across industry and academic trials. Findings will benefit policy makers working to improve clinical trial oversight, researchers and trial participants."
• Dr. Madalina Nicoleta Neagu Wierzbicki: "Dr. Wierzbicki studied architectural elements that can respond to the changing needs of building occupants. These kinetic elements have the potential to improve a building's ecological and functional performance. Her approach to designing kinetic structures addresses the expectations of urbanized societies and the need for more efficient buildings."
• Dr. Dana Lori Chalmers: "Dr. Chalmers developed a theory of Ideologically challenging entertainment designed to mitigate "us vs. them" beliefs. Using this, she created and directed a theatrical production that confronted views of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Audience responses revealed that entertainment can moderate the ideologies that lead to violent conflict and genocide."
• Dr. Sienna Caspar Cullimore: "Dr. Caspar examined how access to information is embedded in the social organization of long-term care. She found that front-line care staff lack access to care-related information and must rely on each other to accomplish their work. Administrators can use these findings to improve both the quality of work life and care in long-term care facilities."

Doctor of Philosophy (Language and Literacy Education)

• Dr. Peter James Hill: "Dr. Hill wrote a series of stories tracing his development as a student, teacher and writer. Using auto-ethnography, he not only tells these stories but also analyzes the reasons for telling them. Dr. Hill's focus is on author intention and narrative truth in storytelling."
• Dr. Christi Kramer: "Dr. Kramer worked with Iraqi children to study how writing, poetic imagination, and creative processes are all integral to the building of peace. She revealed that peace-building is supported by intellectual and creative processes that invite us to listen with the heart. Dr. Kramer's research contributes new perspectives on transformative education."
• Dr. Kathryn Elizabeth Shoemaker: "Dr. Shoemaker demonstrated how visual repetition and colour construct cohesive relationships in picturebooks for young children. This work contributes to the development of a visual grammar. The findings will be useful to educators who are assessing materials created by students in multiple modes, including words, pictures, motion and sound."
• Dr. Graham Walter Lea: "Dr. Lea created a research-based theatre script exploring experiences of two teachers living in Kenya 40 years apart. The script examined the narrative inheritances shaping their personal and professional identities. He also critiqued his playwriting process to illuminate theoretical, methodological, and evaluation insights for similar projects."

Doctor of Philosophy (Law)

• Dr. Asha Pearl Kaushal: "Dr. Kaushal studied how the law treats group difference. She used the concept of jurisdiction to illuminate the work that law does to separate and contain groups. This research reveals the legal landscape of diversity and furthers the study of accommodating diversity in contemporary societies."
• Dr. Naayeli Esperanza Ramirez Espinosa: "Dr. Ramirez-Espinosa conducted research into three judicial cases: Delgamuukw in Canada, Nibutani Dam in Japan and Zirahuen in Mexico. She concluded that in these three cases, the Indigenous plaintiffs' claims could not succeed due to issues of uncertainty in the law, lack of adequate remedies and the use of a concept of sovereignty that is outdated."
• Dr. Adetoun Olabisi Ilumoka: "Dr. Ilumoka analysed the evolution of colonial law in Nigeria, taking a case study of the development of land law and women's land rights. She notes that the colonial classification of law as "customary" and "modern" persists today and is misleading. She argues for law reform focusing on substantive issues of justice and access to land."

Doctor of Philosophy (Library, Archival and Information Studies)

• Dr. Donald C. Force: "Dr. Force assessed a group of recordkeeping standards in relation to the admissibility of evidence in Canadian courts. He discovered inadequacies among these standards with regard to the legal obligations of organizations to create and manage their records. His research presents a model for using standards for compliant recordkeeping."

Doctor of Philosophy (Linguistics)

• Dr. John Michael Lyon: "Dr. Lyon examined linguistic structure and meaning in Okanagan, a Salish language spoken in British Columbia. This research provides valuable documentation of an endangered language of the Pacific Northwest, and contributes to our understanding of how human languages may vary."
• Dr. Heather Anne Bliss: "Dr. Bliss investigated the syntax of Blackfoot, an Algonquian language spoken in Southern Alberta. She developed a classification of the phrases, words and morphemes that comprise sentences and noun phrases. In addition to its theoretical contribution, Dr. Bliss's dissertation contributes to the documentation of this endangered First Nations language."

Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Engineering)

• Dr. Ehsan Mohammadi Zahrani: "Dr. Zahrani conducted research into corrosion of industrial waste heat boilers in power plants. He focused on extending the lifetime of boilers and reducing the costs related to the maintenance and shutdown of plants. The findings can directly affect the ability of Canadian mineral processing companies to compete effectively in the global market."
• Dr. Hamid Reza Zebardast: "Dr. Zebardast completed his doctoral studies in the field of Materials Engineering. He developed an electrochemical sensor and a novel method to detect particulate fouling in the heat exchangers of high temperature-high pressure power plants."
• Dr. Hamidreza Zargar: "Dr. Zargar studied the influence of time, temperature and composition on high temperature ceramics, called refractories, used in metal-processing furnaces. He developed a processing map to predict refractory properties and reduce processing time and temperature. This research assists industry to develop inexpensive and durable refractories."
• Dr. Shuxin Zhou: "Dr. Zhou developed a new kind of biomedical ceramic cement: calcium phosphate silicate cement. Its properties are an improvement on existing bio-cements. Biomaterials based on this new cement are currently used in dentistry and can be potentially used in orthopaedics. His research contributed new knowledge and materials to the biomedical community."
• Dr. Mohammad Mokmeli: "Dr. Mokmeli studied selenium and tellurium chemistry and kinetics in UBC's Hydro-metallurgy Research Group. He developed a model which determined the time needed for removal of selenium and tellurium from solutions. His research helps the metal extraction industries to increase their production rate in the treatment of sulfide ores and residues."
• Dr. Shima Karimi: "Dr. Karimi investigated the corrosion of orthopaedic implants, such as replacement hips and knees, in a simulated human body. Her research findings are helpful in developing new reliable materials for orthopaedic implants with a longer life time. These new materials could reduce the risk of implant failure as well as the cost of additional surgeries."
• Dr. Yue (Louisa) Ma: "Dr. Ma's doctoral work focussed on development of high strength fibres by co-spinning of polyethylene with carbon nanotube. Through polymer grafting, the compatibility between carbon nanotubes and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene matrix has been greatly improved. Her study may aid further research and development of light weight armour products."
• Dr. Guillaume Lefebvre: "Dr. Lefebvre studied how the structure of stainless steel evolves during production. He identified ways to prevent the formation of detrimental surface roughness during forming, in order to manufacture smooth, shiny steel. The findings will help steel producers provide improved materials for a variety of household utensils and industrial installations"
• Dr. Azadeh Goudarzi: "Dr. Goudarzi completed pioneering research on self-healing bone cements made of composite bioceramics. She has demonstrated that these synthetic cements are able to repair themselves upon soaking in a fluid similar to human body fluid. These cements could increase the life span of biomaterials and improve the quality of life of patients."

Doctor of Philosophy (Mathematics)

• Dr. Cihan Okay: "Dr. Okay investigated certain subspaces of the classifying space of a group, a central object in algebraic topology. He studied homotopy type of these subspaces. This work is in the intersection of group theory and homotopy theory, and provides interesting examples for both fields."
• Dr. Eric De Giuli: "Dr. DeGiuli studied the flow of granular materials like sand and soil, and derived fundamental equations governing stress transmission in those materials. These equations will improve the mathematical models used every day by civil, chemical, and mechanical engineers in a range of industries, from food processing to pharmaceuticals."
• Dr. Galo Higuera Rojo: "Dr. Rojo studied the field of Algebraic Topology. He focussed on the spaces of group homomorphisms, particularly the space of commuting orthogonal matrices. He computed the number of connected components of these spaces, drawing on combinatorics, linear algebra and topology. He shed some light on the structure of these very complicated spaces."
• Dr. Vincent Martin Chan: "Dr. Chan's research in mathematics focussed on harmonic analysis. In conjunction with his supervisors, he proved a result regarding finite configurations in sparse sets. This was an extension of previous work on the subject and parallels results in the discrete case, contributing to the theory of additive combinatorics in the continuous setting."
• Dr. Atsushi Kanazawa: "Dr. Kanazawa studied flat 6-dimensional spaces, known as Calabi-Yau threefolds, from a topological point of view. The main result of his thesis is the complete classification of Calabi-Yau threefolds with infinitely many loops. They provide a good testing-ground for general theories and conjectures, both in mathematics and string theory."
• Dr. Ryan Clifford Schwartz: "Dr. Schwartz solved various geometric problems in discrete mathematics. He showed that if a set of lines in two dimensions contains many points from a grid then many of the lines are parallel. He also showed that the same distance cannot appear too often between points in two dimensions. This work improved previous results for these problems."
• Dr. Amir Ghadermarzi: "Dr. Ghadermarzi's research was in the field of number theory. He completely solved two families of a special kind of Diophantine equation called the Thue equations and studied some applications of Thue equations. Thue equations arise in a wide variety of number theoretic contexts including recurrence sequences and integral points on elliptic curves."

Doctor of Philosophy (Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology)

• Dr. Juliette Lyons-Thomas: "Dr. Lyons-Thomas studied ways in which Grade 11 students verbalized their thought processes during an assessment of complex thinking. She found that verbalization is a useful tool for educational assessment. This research suggests that verbalization should be used in test design in order to understand how students may interpret assessment tasks."

Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering)

• Dr. Vahid Bazargan: "Dr. Bazargan studied the behavior of drops of liquid as they evaporate. He developed a new method that allows the investigation of droplets with different footprint shapes, including droplets in a line. This technique will be beneficial for applications such as ink-jet and bio-printing."
• Dr. Nina Rajabi Nasab: "Dr. Rajabi Nasab examined the flow field inside low consistency paper-making refiners. These refiners are mechanical devices employed to modify the properties of the paper fibres. The findings of this investigation can significantly improve the efficiency of the refining process in the pulp and paper industry."
• Dr. Carolyn Yvonne Van Toen: "Dr. Van Toen studied neck injuries. She showed that sideways bending of the neck during a head-first impact results in a reduced risk of spinal cord injury and increased risk of an unstable injury to the spinal column, compared with a straight neck injury. This research has implications for injury prevention, such as helmet design, and treatment."

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Genetics)

• Dr. Michelle Erin Miller: "Dr. Miller developed two models to study the gene Meis1 in adult blood. She found that Meis1 is required for the hematopoietic stem cell, as well in more mature subsets of cells that generate red blood cells and platelets. As Meis1 is involved in leukemia, the model systems will serve as a tool to study both normal and malignant hematopoiesis."

Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology)

• Dr. Marta Wlodarska: "Dr. Wlodarska examined the important role our intestinal microbes play in intestinal disease. She discovered that microbes regulate the intestinal mucus layer, a key component of human health, and identified a novel immune pathway controlling this mucus production. This knowledge is critical in developing new therapeutics for intestinal disease."
• Dr. Shannon Laurel Russell: "Dr. Russell studied how intestinal microbes influence allergic diseases. She showed that antibiotic exposure early in life can affect populations of intestinal bacteria and make animals more susceptible to asthma and food allergies. This research highlights a role for healthy intestinal bacteria in the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases.."

Doctor of Philosophy (Mining Engineering)

• Dr. Andre Moura Xavier: "Dr. Xavier developed a framework that helps to address the socio-economic implications that closing a mine brings to local communities and local governments. This Socio-Economic Mine Closure Framework helps to raise standards in the mining industry worldwide. Additionally, it assists in fostering sustainable development in mining communities."
• Dr. Paul David Cordy: "Dr. Cordy investigated atmospheric mercury contamination from gold mining in South America. His work provided a means of estimating and visualizing health hazards in cities, and produced a new understanding of the consequences of this phenomenon."

Doctor of Philosophy (Music)

• Dr. Rodrigo Gonzalo Caballero: "Dr. Caballero explored the use of sound for healing. Using anthropological methods, he shows how complementary and alternative medicine has shaped how the body, health, and listening are understood. This holds significance for understanding how changing values regarding health and medicine affect health-seeking attitudes and behaviours."

Doctor of Philosophy (Neuroscience)

• Dr. Jianjia Fan: "Dr. Fan's research focused on the biology of lipid carriers in the central nervous system. She revealed that some reproductive hormones may have beneficial effects on the brain by enhancing its lipoprotein function. Her findings provide new insight into developing treatment for neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease."
• Dr. Joseph Samuel Sparling: "Dr. Sparling studied Schwann cells generated from stem cells found in the skin of mammals. He demonstrated that those cells promote repair and functional recovery when transplanted into the spinal cord of an injured rodent. He showed that those cells are a suitable treatment alternative to Schwann cells harvested directly from peripheral nerves."
• Dr. Fiona Choi: "Dr. Choi completed her research in behavioural neuro-science, with a focus on substance abuse. She used a model of drug dependency to investigate plasticity in the brain and a neuro-biological substrate that contributes to the development of addiction. Her findings lead to the potential development of novel targets in the treatment of addiction."

Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing)

• Dr. Catherine Lindsay Goldie: "Dr. Goldie studied the relationships between cardiovascular risk and disease among Canadians with mental health disorders. Using novel measurement approaches, she documented a disparity in cardiovascular health between people with and without mental illness. Her research highlights a need for renewed focus on effective preventative interventions."

Doctor of Philosophy (Oceanography)

• Dr. Kristina Anne Brown: "Dr. Brown examined the factors controlling carbon in the Arctic Ocean. Her research employed field-based measurements to infer the relative importance of several processes affecting carbon distributions in the water column and sea ice. This work advances our understanding of carbon cycling in the polar ocean and the impact of sea ice on this cycle"
• Dr. Leigh Gurney: "Dr. Gurney constructed the first marine ecosystem model of the Subantarctic Prince Edward Achipelago. The model captured the food web of marine life and was able to reproduce past population dynamics and forecast potential effects of climate change. The model provides a tool for fisheries and conservation research at the islands."

Doctor of Philosophy (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

• Dr. Lisa Shouning Ang: "Dr. Ang studied abdominal aneurysms at the James Hogg Research Centre. She found that elevated levels of the enzyme Granzyme B contribute to the weakening of the abdominal aorta, and increased susceptibility to rupture and death. Her findings may lead to development of a novel drug strategy for treating aneurysms and other inflammatory diseases"
• Dr. Tony Ling Tin Ng: "Dr. Ng studied the factors that determine whether cancer cells live or die following the initial step of detaching from the primary tumor site and metastasizing to other organs. He found that tumor cells are in a state of stress and reduced energy levels during this process, and depend on mechanisms to overcome this stress to survive."
• Dr. Xin Ye: "Dr. Ye studied viral infections in the heart. He uncovered important signals exploited by viruses to damage the heart tissue, and identified the mechanisms that contribute to heart dysfunction. His findings will promote the development of novel anti-viral medicines to treat infectious heart diseases."
• Dr. Eugene Mitchell Chu: "Dr. Chu studied the effect of inflammation on white blood cell behaviour in cardiovascular disease. He discovered that inflammatory conditions decrease the ability of white blood cells to remove cholesterol from the surroundings. This research furthers our understanding of how inflammation can affect the progression of cardiovascular disease."
• Dr. Amal Mohammad El-Naggar: "Dr. EL-Naggar studied the critical role of YB-I in childhood cancers. YB-1 is a protein that binds DNA and RNA molecules. She showed that YB-1 promotes cancer cell spread which is the main cause of death in cancer patients. Her findings demonstrate that targeting YB1 is a promising strategy for preventing the spread of cancers."
• Dr. Naniye Cetinbas: "Dr. Cetinbas completed her doctoral studies in the field of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. She examined how cancer cells use certain nutrients for protection against oxidative stress. These studies identified novel strategies for effective elimination of cancer cells."
• Dr. Daven C H Tai: "Dr. Tai studied the link between white blood cells and cardiovascular disease. He found that deletingf inflammatory proteins in white blood cells increases the risk of future heart attacks and stroke. This finding improves our understanding of how to use one's own immune system as a means to combat cardiovascular disease."
• Dr. Suzanne Yuen Shan Cheng: "Dr. Cheng investigated cell migration which is crucial for normal growth and cancer development. She discovered novel mechanisms that co-ordinate key molecules regulating cell movement. Her research enhances our understanding of the complex signalling network governing cell motility and will help to identify novel targets for treating metastatic tumors."

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmaceutical Sciences)

• Dr. Ying Wang: "Dr. Wang examined how the function of an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase is regulated in the heart. She found that this enzyme is controlled by multiple factors, and diabetes disrupts the proper functioning of this enzyme. This research is expected to assist in the development of therapeutic targets that prevent diabetic heart disease."
• Dr. Jayakumar Surendradoss: "Dr. Surendradoss investigated the mechanism of drug-induced liver injury. He focussed on the liver injury caused by a commonly used drug called valproic acid, which is used to treat seizures. The findings of his research enabled a greater understanding of the role of various pathways of biotransformation in the liver injury caused by valproic acid"

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacology)

• Dr. Wan ki Wong: "Dr. Wong studied the blood pressure lowering effects of beta blockers, which are used to treat chest pain. He showed that different sub-types of beta blockers lower blood pressure by different amounts and generally have no effect on pulse pressure. His research provides new information to assist physicians and patients in clinical decision-making."

Doctor of Philosophy (Philosophy)

• Dr. Jie Tian: "Dr. Tian studied collective responsibility and how political decisions affect our understanding of it. She argues that the deliberative model of democratic practice is more justifiable than the aggregative one. Deliberative democracy helps us exercise public reason, recognize the shared nature of collective decisions, and generate new collective actions."

Doctor of Philosophy (Physics)

• Dr. Samuel Burton Wallace King: "Dr. King conducted research using particle physics data delivered by the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, in Geneva. He searched for evidence of two promising hypothetical models of new physics: super-symmetry and universal extra dimensions. New constraints were placed on these models, thereby providing insight into their possible properties."
• Dr. Chang Wei Loh: "Dr. Loh studied experimental particle physics. He focussed on the production of particles with a potentially long lifetime, using the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. This study has helped to increase our understanding of new physics, beyond the recently discovered Higgs particle responsible for giving masses to all other particles."
• Dr. Jakob Emmel: "Dr. Emmel conducted experimental research into the physics of TV and computer displays. He developed a new backlight with higher contrast, which is able to show more realistic images than current state-of-the-art displays. His research is an important step towards more realistic and energy-efficient displays."
• Dr. Riccardo Comin: "Dr. Comin investigated the physics of correlated oxide materials and the manifestation of charge localization as a hallmark of unconventional states of matter. This experimental work focused on the discovery of charge ordering in high-temperature superconducting copper-oxides and of novel relativistic insulating phases in iridium-based materials."
• Dr. Matthew F Hasselfield: "Dr. Hasselfield made measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background to find distant clusters of galaxies. Counting galaxy clusters and measuring their mass tells us how in-homogeneous the matter distribution was in the very early Universe. This helps us to understand what physical phenomena were at play in the moments after the Big Bang."
• Dr. Ryan Burton Lewis: "Dr. Lewis studied the growth and properties of a new type of semiconductor alloy containing the element bismuth. Thin single-crystal layers with record bismuth concentrations were realized and the underlying physics of the growth process was revealed. These materials have a wide range of applications in devices which emit and detect infrared light."
• Dr. Mohammad Sadegh Mashayekhi: "Dr. Mashayekhi studied the physics of interacting ultra-cold quantum gases. The new framework he developed helped reveal how these systems are strongly driven by the interaction among a few particles. His work will help in devising techniques to unveil the secrets of fundamental physical phenomena, occurring on scales from sub-atomic to galactic"
• Dr. Saeed Kalantari: "Dr. Kalantari investigated the Magnetic Resonance (MR) properties of the human brain in vivo as well as the bovine brain in vitro. His findings helped to improve the accuracy of measuring myelin in the human central nervous system in vivo."
• Dr. Robert Kosztyla: "Dr. Kosztyla studied the planning of radiotherapy for gliomas, a type of brain tumour. He showed that positron emission tomography and diffusion tensor imaging can be used to identify these tumours, and he developed a radiotherapy technique utilizing these images. Clinical implementation of these methods may improve survival for patients with gliomas."
• Dr. Mark Brian Lundeberg: "Dr. Lundeberg investigated the electronic properties of graphene, in particular how quantum phase coherence and magnetic fields affect the motion of electrons of graphene at very low temperatures. This research will help to design and understand future quantum electronic devices based on graphene."
• Dr. Geoffrey John Topping: "Dr. Topping developed and tested methods for measuring accumulation of manganese in rats using magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. These results will be useful in future studies of how patterns of brain activation change in response to drugs or other stimuli."

Doctor of Philosophy (Planning)

• Dr. Siu Wai (Ivy) Wong: "Dr. Wong studied local governance reforms which were introduced in China to advance urbanization. She found that the reforms resulted in state building rather than state power decentralization. This refines our understanding of how and why China has maintained rapid urban growth despite land disputes and social tensions in different localities."

Doctor of Philosophy (Political Science)

• Dr. Avery Dorothy Howard Poole: "Dr. Poole studied the negotiations by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states which led to the adoption of their 2007 Charter. She argues that the positions of individual states on democracy and human rights are shaped by perceptions of legitimacy. This research helps us to understand the dynamics of politically diverse regions."
• Dr. Vipapat Sinpeng: "Dr. Sinpeng examined why ordinary people rose up against democracy. Her study of an anti-democratic political movement in Thailand showed that people may subvert the democratic system when they became marginalized. A major implication of her work is that democracy would be more stable if minority voices are respected."
• Dr. James Stephen Baker: "Dr. Baker investigated how international norms regarding the use of force that have typically been associated with land have influenced the behaviour of states towards the sea. He examined contemporary maritime disputes in the Arctic Ocean and South China Sea to contribute to our understanding of the factors that have shaped them."

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology)

• Dr. Colin Michael Stopper: "Dr. Stopper studied how different nodes within the dopamine circuitry of the brain regulate risk/reward decision-making. This research elucidates how regions that are upstream and downstream of dopamine neurons influence risky choice, with implications for targeted treatment of various behavioral disorders caused by aberrant dopamine transmission."

Doctor of Philosophy (Rehabilitation Sciences)

• Dr. Seyedeh Tahmineh Mousavi: "The 21st century marked a shift in the perspective of care for people with disabilities. Dr. Mousavi explored the views of Canadian occupational therapists on this Capabilities Approach. The study concluded that this approach could help to align rehabilitation services with human rights initiatives of the World Health Organization."

Doctor of Philosophy (Reproductive and Developmental Sciences)

• Dr. Tuan-Anh T Nguyen: "Dr. Nguyen studied newborns whose mothers had taken the anti-depression drug, Fluoxetine, during pregnancy. She found that the problems these babies experienced were due to alterations in fetal brain development, rather than the toxicity of the drug. This research provides information about the effects of depression medication taken during pregnancy."

Doctor of Philosophy (Resource Management and Environmental Studies)

• Dr. Teresa Ryan: "Dr. Ryan examined colonial dispossession of Aboriginal lands and trade. The ecologic and social harmony enjoyed by Aboriginal peoples was dismantled, with enormous costs to them, to the natural resources, and colonial society. This Aboriginal view is likely to prompt inquiry across disciplines into how Aboriginal cultures and economy are understood."
• Dr. Vicky Wing Yee Lam: "Dr. Lam studied the effects of climate change on the economics of global fisheries. She found climate change would negatively affect food security, the livelihood of fishing communities and the whole economy in many regions. Her work provides knowledge to support planning and the design of policies to effectively manage fisheries during climate change."
• Dr. Stefan Thirlwall Storey: "Dr.Storey examined the performance of sustainable buildings. He used life cycle approaches which show how financial and environmental impacts are distributed across the life of a building. His work shows how stakeholders, representing different priorities in a building life-cycle, can advance sustainability by taking a long-view on building design."
• Dr. Reza Kowsari: "Dr. Kowsari investigated the challenges of transitioning to modern energy services among low-income households. He concludes that modern energy policies can be improved through greater emphasis on the human dimension, assessment and evaluation, given the challenges in improving energy access and possibilities for spillovers into other market segments."
• Dr. Maria Cristina Infante: "Dr. Infante developed a new approach for evaluating the benefits people receive from natural ecosystems. She presented the risk of alternative policies in terms of a worst likely loss, sending a message about the need to protect nature. She found that nonmarket values were essential to sustainability, efficiency and fairness in resource use."

Doctor of Philosophy (School Psychology)

• Dr. Michelle Lynne Kozey: "Dr. Kozey studied linkages between types of aggression children display and their cognitive self-regulation. High levels of physical, relational, intentional, and defensive aggression had unique cognitive self-regulation strengths and weaknesses. Results suggest different intervention programs may be needed for physical versus relational aggression."

Doctor of Philosophy (Social Work)

• Dr. Carolyn Ann Oliver: "Dr. Oliver examined how child protection workers interpreted strengths-based practice, an approach focussing on client strengths and goals. Study outcomes included recommendations to help child welfare agencies support this approach and a model for making strengths-based relationships with mandated clients."

Doctor of Philosophy (Sociology)

• Dr. Hamish Bonar Buffam: "Dr. Buffam developed a method of comparative analysis that tracks the social and legal effects of racism across divergent geopolitical contexts. He used this method to document how racial discourses of criminality shaped the legal regulation of Chicago's African American populations and Vancouver's South Asian populations."
• Dr. Aida Geraldina Polanco Sorto: "Dr. Polanco studied Filipino migrant workers at Canadian Tim Horton`s restaurants. She traced the cultural and structural dimensions of work and labour market regulation under migrant worker schemes. One implication is Canada's introduction of a new guest worker scheme that is both ambiguous and risky with regard to transitioning to permanent status."

Doctor of Philosophy (Zoology)

• Dr. Robin Marie LeCraw: "Dr. LeCraw studied insect communities in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and Brazil. She examined how they are affected by the spatial structure of their habitat, from the size of their host plant to its geographic location. Her results show the effects of spatial structure on communities, and can help to integrate ecological studies across spatial scales."
• Dr. Julie Anne Lee-Yaw: "Dr. Lee-Yaw studied geographic range limits and the processes influencing them in a widespread salamander species. Her work clarifies the relative importance of climate versus species interactions in shaping range limits. She illustrates a general framework for testing alternative hypotheses for range limits."
• Dr. Shelly Au: "Dr. Au studied ways in which an insect virus known as Baculo-virus can be used in health research and medical treatments. Her research is the first to demonstrate how baculo-viruses have evolved unique and efficient ways to enter the control centre of a cell. This work will help to design efficient viruses that can be used for gene therapy."